NFL Team Capsules: Cowher says Roethlisberger finally showing maturity
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher says it was hard to get through to Ben Roethlisberger after the quarterback had so much success early in his career.
Yet Cowher believes the sexual assault investigation that led to a six-game suspension for Roethlisberger was a "slap in the face" that has led to some much-needed maturity.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Cowher described how Roethlisberger used to respond to advice about his off-field behavior. "'But we're winning games. We're winning championships,'" Cowher recounted. "'What do you mean? Isn't that what we're here to do?'"
"Yeah," Cowher said, "but there's more to it than that."
"It's the whole body of work. It's you as a person, what kind of legacy you want to leave," he added. "I really think he understands that now."
Cowher coached Roethlisberger during the quarterback's first three seasons — in Year 2, he became the youngest at the position to win a Super Bowl. Roethlisberger picked up another ring under Mike Tomlin after Cowher retired, only to put his stellar career in jeopardy.
Roethlisberger was not charged after a Georgia college student accused him of sexual assault, but commissioner Roger Goodell still suspended him for the first six games of the season, citing a "pattern of behavior" embarrassing to the NFL.
Roethlisberger has said Cowher was one of the people he turned to for advice as he tried to get his life back on track, and that the two are now closer than ever before.
"Just like with your children, sometimes when you say things to them: 'Yeah, right.' They have all the answers," Cowher said. "All of a sudden, the older they get: 'Maybe he's right about that.'
"I think Ben has had a chance to reflect a lot. I think he's a good person. While it's unfortunate, I think it may be an eye-opener to him, kind of a slap in the face."
Before the Georgia case, there were earlier incidents, too. Roethlisberger was badly injured in a motorcycle accident while riding without a helmet or a permit after his first Super Bowl victory in 2006. He also is being sued by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel-casino. Roethlisberger denies the accusation and was not charged. He has claimed counter-damages in a lawsuit.
Some people mature later than others, Cowher said, and he believes Roethlisberger is a late bloomer.
"There's no question as a player he's always been a great player," Cowher said. "But there's a lot more to this professionally than that. It's how you carry yourself off the field. I think he realizes that now. I really think you're going to see a different person."
Even without Roethlisberger to start the season, Cowher thinks his former team will be just fine because the coaches have time to prepare for the suspension, which could be reduced to four games.
"I know a lot of players on that team. They need to hear that they can't do something," Cowher said. "That always seems to be the impetus to say, 'OK, we'll show you.'"
Since Cowher retired after the 2006 season, the rest of the NFL has wondered whether he'll show he can coach again. His name seems to come up whenever there is an opening, and Cowher isn't going to quell that talk.
"I certainly will look into situations with open ears," he said.
For now, he's an analyst for CBS, which allows him to stay close to the game if he does choose to coach again — or lets him fulfill his football cravings without returning to the field. At the network's NFL media day Tuesday, he said his new colleagues have become family, just like it was with the Steelers, and he'd only leave for an ideal situation.
"I'm not sitting there lobbying for any one team," Cowher said. "You know what? I always thought, you'll know. When the time comes, you'll know. Right now the season's starting, and my thoughts aren't on coaching. My thoughts are on trying to give great coverage."
The familiarity of football season offers comfort for Cowher, whose his wife, Kaye, died of skin cancer a month ago. Cowher said he never considered taking time off.
"As all our family's doing right now, we're all kind of moving on with our lives. It's the way my wife would have wanted it," he said. "I'm just very thankful for everybody in America who reached out, sent e-mails, texts, the donations they've made to a couple of charities. It's been very heartfelt, very sincere. I couldn't be more grateful."
Steelers waiting for LB Timmons to become a star
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is finding it difficult to be patient with Lawrence Timmons.
Tomlin calls the inside linebacker "ridiculously talented," though Timmons has yet to have the breakout season expected before now of the No. 15 pick in the 2007 draft.
Timmons' teammates are convinced the former Florida State star has more speed, power and drive to the football than any player on the Steelers' defense other than safety Troy Polamalu. Still, any discussion about Timmons often begins with what he hasn't done in his three seasons — make the Pro Bowl.
He hasn't yet reached an elite level. He's not yet a complete player. He's not yet ready to take over from James Farrior the job of running the defense.
"It's time," Tomlin said. "Lawrence has been around here long enough."
Long enough to win a Super Bowl. However, it is another 2007 draft pick — second-rounder LaMarr Woodley — who's taken on a bigger role in what was the NFL's top-ranked defense two seasons ago. Woodley led the Steelers with 13½ sacks while making the Pro Bowl last season and had 11½ sacks in 2007. Timmons had seven sacks last season and five as a part-time player in 2008.
Inside linebackers generally don't accumulate sacks in a 3-4 defense like outside linebackers. Regardless, the Steelers believe there's a lot more in the 6-foot-1, 244-pound Timmons that has yet to be seen during games.
They see it in practices and at training camp, but not always on Sundays.
"He has to have a big year in order for us to be successful," linebackers coach Keith Butler said. "And I think he will, because he feels more comfortable. If he stays healthy, then he will develop the way that we have envisioned that he'll develop. And he'll be a factor."
Timmons missed two games last season with a hamstring injury that lingered for most of the first half of the season and hampered his production. He also was bothered by injuries to both ankles.
Farrior, who plays alongside Timmons, also believes there's a lot more to come starting with the Sept. 12 opener against Atlanta. Before then, the Steelers close the preseason with games Sunday at Denver and Sept. 2 against Carolina.
"He's a tremendous athlete and a good kid, but I feel like he's still learning," Farrior said. "We really haven't seen everything he has to give. The injuries, I think, have held him back. They weren't real bad, but they were nagging. I believe he's only scratched the surface so far. There's a lot more we can see from Lawrence."
Timmons hears such talk, and it's difficult to argue he's reached his potential when he himself knows he hasn't.
"I'm definitely growing up now, and I know what to do and how to play the game," Timmons said. "It's time for me to elevate my play to the next level, and I'm working very hard to get there. I want to be the guy to make the sacks and stop the big run plays in the backfield."
Perhaps to motivate Timmons, perhaps to guard against injuries to the 35-year-old Farrior, the Steelers brought back former starting linebacker Larry Foote this season. Foote signed with Detroit a year ago because he knew the Steelers were ready to make Timmons a starter.
The Steelers finished No. 5 overall in defense last year, but they didn't play to the level of the 2008 team that led the league in overall defense, rushing defense and allowed the fewest points in the league while winning the Super Bowl. Farrior had perhaps his worst season since joining the Steelers in 2002.
"When they brought Larry in, I took it like they wanted to make us better. You know that Larry works hard and is a tough guy, and that's what we need," Timmons said.
That and a Timmons who plays to his full ability.
"If he's healthy, he's hard to handle," Butler said.
-- Alan Robinson
Dolphins counting on two second-year CBs
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith started all 16 games as a rookie and broke up a dozen passes but failed to catch any. His interception total: zero.
Did he find it frustrating to be shut out? Embarrassing? Shocking?
"I'm going to go with all of the above," Smith says. "It took awhile for me to get over it."
Such are the growing pains for a young cornerback, whose every misstep can become fodder for highlight shows. The Dolphins had rookies at both corner spots last year, one reason they ranked last in the NFL in yards allowed per pass.
Smith and Vontae Davis are back for a second season, looking to make more plays and fewer mistakes. Their anticipated improvement would help solidify a defense revamped after a disappointing 2009 season.
"If those two guys compete every play like we know they can, we'll be a very good defense," strong safety Yeremiah Bell says. "If they clamp down, it means more sacks for the d-line and more interceptions for the safeties and linebackers. It makes life so much easier."
The Dolphins made the two young cornerbacks their top draft choices in 2009 with the expectation the team would be set at the position for years. Davis joined Smith in the starting lineup in October as a replacement for veteran Will Allen, who underwent season-ending knee surgery.
Allen required a follow-up arthroscopic procedure two weeks ago and is expected to be sidelined until at least the end of the exhibition season, leaving Davis and Smith unchallenged in their starting roles. The Dolphins envision the sort of partnership Pro Bowl cornerbacks Pat Surtain and Sam Madison enjoyed in Miami from 1998 to 2004.
"When we first came in, everybody was comparing us to Surtain and Madison," Smith says. "Those are real big shoes. And when you give up a touchdown, and the crowd is on your back and yelling things, it would be easy for a guy to tank it. But Vontae and I came up at the same time, and we were going through the same experience, and we were able to pick each other up.
"Even the best get beat. We understand that. You have to be the most arrogant guys on the field sometimes."
Youthful arrogance can backfire, though. Davis says he and Smith learned that last year.
"Us being young, we carry ourselves with a lot of confidence, and that kind of gets in the way sometimes," Davis says. "We relax. The ball can be thrown your way every time, and you have to work on that."
While the Dolphins have more experience at cornerback this year, they're younger at free safety, where second-year pro Chris Clemons will be a first-year starter.
"We have talented people out there, regardless of how old they are," Smith says. "Talent means a lot."
Too often last year, the Dolphins' talent was insufficient. They gave up an average of 8.2 yards per attempt and 14.2 per completion, both NFL highs. They allowed 14 touchdown passes of at least 20 yards, second-most in the league, and those plays averaged a league-high 35.9 yards.
Mistakes in the secondary contributed to a disappointing 7-9 record, and the breakdowns persist this preseason. Seeing limited duty in the first two games, the first-team defense has allowed completions of 35, 30 and 25 yards, along with two touchdown passes.
"The explosive plays we have to limit," coach Tony Sparano says. "That concerns me that a couple of them have showed up in these two preseason games. So we need to become better in those areas."
Clemons is the biggest question mark in the young secondary. A fifth-round draft choice in 2009, he saw limited duty as a rookie behind Gibril Wilson, who endured a dismal season and was released in March.
Clemons joined the starting lineup only after the Dolphins failed in their attempts to sign a veteran free agent. Sparano concedes there's no assurance Clemons will tackle in the open field or close on receivers any better than Wilson did.
"I hope we don't have to see him make any tackles 20 yards down the field, but I think that's going to happen," Sparano says. "Tackling and ball in the air and all that — those are questions that the only way they're going to get answered is if that situation occurs during the course of a game."
From his cornerbacks, Sparano wants more consistency. He knows they'll get beaten, because every cornerback does. The key is how they react when it happens.
"When you give one up, being able to turn around and get after the very next one and maybe stop the bleeding is really important," Sparano says. "That kind of consistency is what I want to see out of them."
-- Steven Wine
Browns rookie RB Hardesty close to return
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Most players wouldn't mind skipping an NFL training camp with its grueling two-a-day practices under the sweltering summer sun.
Montario Hardesty hated missing his first one.
"It was real hard," he said.
Speaking for the first time since injuring his right knee on the eve of camp, Cleveland's rookie running back said Tuesday that he's nearly ready to get back on the practice field and expects to be available when the Browns open the season on Sept. 4.
Hardesty revealed he suffered a bone bruise to his surgically repaired knee during a 1-on-1 tackling drill a few days before the club's veterans reported. Hardesty said he was not injured by any contact but when he tried to cut on the grass.
At first, he was worried he had done serious damage to his knee, which was reconstructed in 2005 after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament.
"You always worry when you do something like that it's going to be something big," he said. "But once I went and got an MRI, and got everything looked at to see what it was, I just had to let the bruise heal. When it's time, I'll get back out there."
Hardesty expects to practice later this week and is targeting the Browns' final exhibition game on Sept. 2 as his pro debut.
The Browns believe Hardesty, a second-round pick, can have a large role in their offense this season. They see the former Tennessee back as a perfect compliment to Jerome Harrison.
Cleveland traded a third-round pick and two fifth-round selections to Philadelphia in April to move up and select Hardesty, who rushed for 1,345 yards and 13 touchdowns last season for the Volunteers.
Although he has missed significant time, Hardesty is confident he can catch up quickly. Because he couldn't practice, Hardesty immersed himself in Cleveland's playbook to learn the offense.
"After those first couple days I knew what I had to do," he said. "I just wanted to be a student of the game and make sure I stay up on all the blocking schemes and all the assignments. It was frustrating at first, but I just focused on getting back on the field. Now I'm getting excited again."
Coach Eric Mangini said Hardesty had a good grasp of Cleveland's offense before getting hurt.
"The thing with Montario that I'm really comfortable with is he knew the system pretty well in OTAs," he said. "He's been studying it just as hard, even though he hasn't been on the field, he's been just as diligent here during training camp.
"Look, he's a rookie, but the early impression is that he is not going to need a ton of reps in order to be effective in completing his assignments just based on my exposure to him and how he's worked. I hadn't looked at the position that way where you just throw a guy in and let the instincts take over, but there's obviously a huge component to that at the running back spot."
The injury may have hurt Hardesty's knee, but not his confidence.
He almost seemed offended when asked if his goals have changed for this season.
"Not at all," he said. "I have always set high standards for myself. When I'm on the field, I'm ready to play ball so it hasn't changed things at all."
-- Tom Withers
Raiders' McFadden returns to practice
NAPA, Calif. (AP) — Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden practiced for the first time in more than two weeks Tuesday and expects to make his preseason debut this weekend against San Francisco.
McFadden ran with the Raiders' first team offense, breaking off two long runs during a team scrimmage then later hauling in a deep pass from quarterback Jason Campbell in a 7-on-7 drill.
That was encouraging for Oakland, which lost Chaz Schilens indefinitely after the third-year receiver had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. No timetable has been set for his return.
McFadden is projected to be the Raiders' No. 1 running back this year but had not practiced since Aug. 7 when he pulled up with a sore hamstring during the team's morning practice. McFadden sat out Oakland's first two preseason games while Michael Bush, Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett split the carries in the backfield.
"I felt good, I felt like I was able to do everything that I'm supposed to do," McFadden said after emerging from the Raiders' locker room 45 minutes after practice ended. "I haven't talked about (playing time) with the coaches. But for me I feel like I'm full go so I'll hit it full go."
The Raiders are counting on McFadden and Bush to help turn around an offense that was 31st overall in 2009. Oakland was 21st in rushing at 106.3 yards per game and scored only seven touchdowns on the ground.
McFadden, the fourth overall pick in 2008, hasn't played a full season in two years with the Raiders. He was slowed by a pair of turf toe injuries as a rookie, then was limited to 12 games last season after tearing the meniscus in his right knee.
The former Arkansas star rushed for 357 yards and one touchdown. Bush, the team's fourth-round pick in 2007, ran for a career-high 589 yards and topped the 100-yard mark twice.
Coach Tom Cable said early in training camp the two would split time in the backfield during the regular season. That remains the plan this week as the Raiders prepare to host San Francisco on Saturday, with no restrictions being placed on McFadden.
"Our plan right now is to go through the week like normal, that he's back and ready to go," Cable said. "We'll be smart in terms of his workload. Once we get there Saturday we go play."
McFadden ran pain-free Tuesday, showing a good burst on his two big runs against Oakland's first team defense. It was on the long pass from Campbell during 7-on-7 drills when McFadden was able to really test his hamstring.
"I feel like it was one of the real tests for me because when we've been rehabbing, we were doing little short bursts here and there," McFadden said. "That was the one thing we were trying to work on, just to see what would aggravate it and what wouldn't. I felt like I needed that extra week just to get my burst."
The news wasn't as optimistic for Schilens, Oakland's oft-injured wide receiver who is likely to miss the rest of the preseason after knee surgery.
"I cannot tell you yet as to a timeline but we'll know here pretty quick," Cable said. "That's what I'm waiting for, for him to get back so we know more. We just don't have any of those answers."
Center Samson Satele won't play against the 49ers this week, either. Satele injured his ankle early during Oakland's 32-17 win over Chicago last Saturday. The team initially thought Satele might require surgery but Cable said that doesn't appear to be the case now.
"It does not look to be serious but we will not force the issue there," Cable said. "I know I'm going to shut him down this week. There's a chance he could be ready to go but I'm just not going to push that. I'm not going to do that."
Notes: DE Jay Richardson walked without a limp and said he expects to be ready for the opener in Tennessee after having his left knee scoped. ... Alex Daniels is back on the defensive line after a two-week experiment at fullback. ... DT Richard Seymour (triceps), RT Langston Walker (back) and CB Chris Johnson (hamstring) were held out of practice.
Both Leagues
Cardinals, Titans switch up with game, practice
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Well, this will either be very awkward or really exciting.
The Arizona Cardinals, eager to avoid a quick trip home on an already short week, are sticking around Music City for a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans.
Yes, against the very same team that just beat the Cardinals 24-10 Monday night in a preseason game.
Both teams rested Tuesday with the Cardinals getting the chance for sightseeing if they wanted. Then they hit the field together Wednesday afternoon at the Titans' headquarters in some unusual scheduling. Most NFL teams practice against a different team before playing each other in a preseason game.
"It just worked out this way," Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said Tuesday.
"Based on what I know, it's unusual. Most teams do it the week before they play. Coach (Jeff) Fisher and I have talked about it. I think we were both OK with trying to do it. I think it works out well for us because this is a great opportunity for us to stay here based on having a short week."
The Cardinals (1-1) and Titans (1-1) play their third preseason games Saturday night. The Titans (1-1) have the advantage of being at home against Arizona on Monday night and only have to travel to Charlotte to play Carolina. The Cardinals (1-1) would not have returned to Arizona until Tuesday morning faced with flying to Chicago on Friday.
How many simmering feelings left over from the game will remain on Wednesday? Matt Leinart and Vince Young exchanged a brief hug at midfield after the game, and Young swapped jerseys with Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett.
"I feel like it's going to be a good deal for us going against a different defense because going against our defense every day at camp gets kind of boring sometimes," Young said.
Easy said by the quarterback who threw for 128 yards and left with a 10-0 lead.
Arizona will be working on trying to pick up a first down. Finding the end zone, something the first-team offense has yet to do this preseason, is another top priority.
Leinart couldn't push the Cardinals to a first down in three series and was hit hard by safety Vincent Fuller and linebacker Stephen Tulloch as the Titans blitzed early and often. Arizona has a revamped offensive line with Alan Faneca new at left guard and Reggie Wells now at guard. Levi Brown has flipped from right to left tackle with Brandon Keith working at right tackle.
Leinart also played without receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet, both out due to injuries. Whisenhunt said he wished Leinart had thrown the ball better after studying the film but the blame for incompletions didn't all fall on his quarterback.
Still, the Titans racked up 10 hits on Arizona's three quarterbacks. Whisenhunt said Fisher told him after the game the Titans only wanted to get their blitzes on tape against an opposing offense.
"That was good for us to see. I think maybe it'll give us an opportunity. We see it in practice from our defense a lot, but in game situations when it's live ... there's always more to it you can learn from it. I wish we had handled it better than we did," Whisenhunt said.
Anyone looking for brawls will be disappointed, according to Fisher.
"We're going to have an efficient practice is what we're looking for. ... We're going to practice in shoulder pads and helmets, a little bit of one-on-one, some special teams, some 7-on-7, a little bit of pass rush and some team and some 2-minute," he said.
Those weren't the only hard hits. Titans fullback Ahmard Hall tackled Justin Miller on a punt return, and linebacker Patrick Trajan pounded punter Ben Graham as picked up a bobbled snap and tried to get off a punt.
Fisher said that won't happen Wednesday.
"No one's going to the ground. There'll be no cheap shots. We're just going to go out and play," he said.
Then the Cardinals will board their buses back to the hotel. They work out on their own Thursday at Vanderbilt University where Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt started his coaching career and the Titans breaking camp.
"These are two teams coming off a very physical game with just one day's rest," Fisher said.
NOTES: Whisenhunt said receiver Andre Roberts hurt the AC joint in his shoulder when tackled Monday night after a catch. The Arizona coach estimated that will keep Roberts out a week. ... The Titans' lone injury from the game was a concussion suffered by CB Pete Ittersagen. He will be held out this week as he recovers.
-- Teresa M. Walker
NFC
Giants experimenting with Keith Bulluck at OLB
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Keith Bulluck may not play middle linebacker for the New York Giants after all.
Bulluck appeared to be penciled in there for the Giants' after signing with New York in late July as a free agent.
The theory was that the veteran coming off ACL surgery would have no problem moving from the outside linebacker spot where he played 10 seasons in Tennessee to middle with the Giants, where he would replace Antonio Pierce.
Roughly three weeks into training camp, the Giants are experimenting with Bulluck as an outside linebacker and leaving the middle to third-year pro Jonathan Goff.
"I came into work yesterday and they said I'd be taking some outside linebacker snaps," Bulluck said after practice on Tuesday. "That's all I know."
When Bulluck was working at middle linebacker, he was working primarily with the second-team defense. Now that he is on the outside, he is getting some snaps with the ones in place of second-year pro Clint Sintim, who worked with the starters since the opening of training camp.
Sintim embraced the opportunity to play to learn from Bulluck.
"He's know the ins and outs of the game that I don't know too well, what I can do better and things like that," Sintim said. "I'm excited to be out here and just to take his two cents in."
Bulluck never looked at any of the outside linebacker duties in training camp. Now he's cramming.
"I am just happy to be in the situation I am in," Bulluck said. "I am getting an opportunity to learn the system and play. My best is just as good as yours, but I knew it always helps a team when you have players that can be versatile and flexible to play multiple positions within in the defense."
One of the things that is a little confusing is the Giants' linebacker terminology. Almost every NFL teams refers to strongside linebacker as the player who lines up over the opposing tight end. New York does the opposite and uses its weakside linebacker to line up over the tight end.
Bulluck is playing strongside with the Giants, which is away from the tight end. That's what he did with the Titans.
"It really doesn't matter," Bulluck said. "I just want to get out there and help and contribute and be the best linebacker that I can be for this team, so if and when my number is called and wherever I will be ready."
There still is some question about Bulluck being ready. He was limited to one practice a day in training camp because of the injury to his left knee. The 33-year-old did not play in the preseason opener against the Jets and was limited to six plays in Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.
Questions about his knee are starting to bother Bulluck. He insists it is fine, adding he considers himself just a new kid on the team learning the system.
"I don't put expectations on people, I only put them on myself," Bulluck said. "If I am a starter in this defense, that's what I have been working toward with the limited reps I had and I am trying to stay on point with that. If I am not, I feel like I am too talented not to play. We'll see. It's a long season."
Bulluck wants to play a lot more on Saturday against the Ravens in Baltimore in the third week of the preseason. He noted, however, that the decision will probably be made by the team's coaching and medical staff.
With Tennessee, Bulluck used to play into the third quarter in the penultimate preseason game.
"If everything was perfect I am a guy who never would come off the field," Bulluck said. "In my eight years as a starter I never came off the field unless it was a big win. If we're losing, I'm not coming off the field. I am accustomed to playing and practicing more. The situation is different now and I am rolling with the punches. I'm not complaining and bickering."
NOTES: First-round draft pick Jason Pierre-Paul did not practice after tweaking his groin against the Steelers. He hopes to play Saturday. Fellow DE Chris Canty also has a minor groin problem. ... The Giants signed former Tampa Bay S Matt O'Hanlon and waived-injured S Michael Greco, who hurt his knee Saturday. ... C Shaun O'Hara missed practice because of general soreness. ... QB Eli Manning practiced in a baseball cap again. He hopes to wear a helmet on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a gash on the left side of his head. ... CB Aaron Ross went to North Carolina for a second opinion on the inflammation in his right foot (plantar fasciitis).
-- Tom Canavan
Saints working overtime on kick coverage lapses
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — If coach Sean Payton is to breathe easier during the Saints' next game, special teams coordinator Greg McMahon will have to make measurable progress with his kickoff and punt coverage teams.
"The last two games we have not covered kicks very well at all. It's obvious," McMahon conceded after practice on Tuesday. "When you put the film on and you look, it'd be easy if it was one guy. But we've had our share of inconsistencies."
The Saints have given up three kickoff returns of more than 50 yards, and a 40-yard punt return, in their first two preseason games.
In their second preseason game last weekend against Houston, the Saints allowed kickoff returns of 63, 55, 28 and 26 yards, after which Payton talked of holding his breath every time his team kicked off.
For now, Payton is trying to be patient, noting that some inconsistency on special teams is common early in the preseason because so many young players are rotated onto the field as coaches try to decide whom to keep and whom to cut.
"We've got a lot of guys going in and out of the games, and so more importantly, it's who's going to play in those core units," Payton said. "A lot of the decisions we make with the final roster is predicated on how guys play in the kicking game."
Special teams captain Troy Evans was cut shortly after Tuesday's practice.
Earlier Tuesday, he said that after the Saints' allowed a 52-yard kickoff return and 40-yard punt return in their first preseason game at New England, he couldn't sleep.
"We know what we do wrong. We see it. And that's the thing with special teams. You make one little mistake and it can cost you, and it looks bad because it's 60 yards," Evans said before he learned he had been released.
"It's always difficult when you have to make decisions such as releasing players that have contributed as much to the Saints as Troy has," Payton said in a statement. "Troy was our special teams captain the past two seasons and provided us with tremendous depth at the outside linebacker position the past three seasons."
The mistakes nearly cost the Saints their punter, Thomas Morstead, who was forced to make the tackle on a 40-yard punt return by the Patriots' Julian Edelman. Morstead hurt his left shoulder on the play and did not punt the rest of that game, but was able to return last weekend against Houston.
McMahon and Evans said missed tackles have been part of the problem. They said other mistakes included players being pushed out of their lanes as they advance downfield, or allowing the returner to get to the outside when the assignment was to force the return toward the middle.
This week, with the San Diego Chargers coming to the Louisiana Superdome on Friday night, the Saints have spent more time than usual studying special teams film and working on kick coverage fundamentals in practice.
"Hey, when things aren't going the way they need to go, let's get the dang thing fixed," McMahon said. "There's definitely a sense of urgency with these guys and they understand. They look at the film and they see it and go, 'We've got to get that right.' They can see where the mistakes are. We all can. It's glaring."
The undercurrent to such problems this preseason is the fact that the Saints, at least during the 2009 regular season, were among the worst in the league in the same areas. New Orleans ranked 29th on kickoff coverage and 32nd — dead last — in punt coverage.
During the playoffs, however, the Saints inserted more defensive starters on special teams, and the coverage units were good enough for New Orleans to win the Super Bowl. Opponents' punt return averages dropped from 14.3 yards in the regular season to 3.8 in the playoffs, while opponents' kickoff return averages dropped from 24.5 yards to 23.6.
"Special teams is like its own entity. You've got guys who specialize in it and that's what I do and I take a lot of pride in it," said backup safety Chris Reis. "It's one of those things you can't really figure out you've got let it go, keep working hard and keep pushing through and you'll start gelling. It'll come together, we've just got have that nasty, attack attitude."
NOTES: The Saints waived WRs Mark Bradley and Rod Harper, G Tim Duckworth and CB Danny Gorrer. ... Starting CB Tracy Porter was given the day off from practice because of knee soreness. ... Rookie TE Jimmy Graham (ankle), S Darren Sharper (knee), LB Clint Ingram (knee) and LB Stanley Arnoux (ankle) also sat out. ... Before Friday night's game, longtime Times-Picayune columnist Peter Finney will present Saints quarterback Drew Brees with the Professional Football Writers of America's "Good Guy Award." Finney, 82, is now in his 64th year covering New Orleans-area sports and this year was honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame for distinguished service. The PFWA's "Good Guy Award" goes to the NFL player who was deemed the most helpful to the media.
-- Brett Martel
Gore eager to see preseason action for Niners
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Mike Singletary wants to see what the 49ers offense can do with Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore on the field.
So does Gore.
"I'm itching to get at it," Gore said early Tuesday evening after the 49ers returned to practice after an off day Monday. "I want to get out there and play with my team. I'm ready to hit."
The 49ers have held out their star halfback in preseason victories over Indianapolis and Minnesota. But Gore may finally get some action in Sunday's exhibition at Oakland, along with some of San Francisco's other top offensive performers who have yet to play in the preseason.
With rookie first-round draft picks Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis working as starters along the offensive line, the 49ers need to get some work for Gore behind them before the regular season begins Sept. 12.
"We know what Frank can do, so you want to be careful," said Singletary, the 49ers' coach. "At the same time, you don't want to limit him too much. With our offensive line not really having had the opportunity to feel the timing of Frank, to really feel his quickness and the way he makes cuts and things like that in a live situation. ... We'd like to give our line a chance to see it."
Even with Gore, Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis and starting receiver Michael Crabtree watching from the sidelines, Singletary said the highlight of Saturday's 15-10 victory over Minnesota was the play of San Francisco's first-team offense.
That unit sputtered during the team's preseason opener at Indianapolis, but it was crisp behind quarterback Alex Smith on a game-opening touchdown drive that paved the way to victory over the Vikings and a 2-0 start to the preseason.
"The execution of the offense in that first series, that's the No. 1 thing that jumps out from the game," Singletary said. "I think everything was clicking. The execution was at a premium."
With Smith completing his first four passes and 5 of 6 on the drive, the 49ers went 70 yards in 12 plays to record the first points produced by the first-unit offense during the preseason. Smith and other starters had watched from the bench as reserves rallied San Francisco to a 37-17 victory against the Colts on Aug. 15.
Smith and the first unit had early success against a Minnesota defense that ranked No. 6 in the NFL last season. But with most teams typically giving their starters extended work in the third preseason game, the 49ers want to give Smith game time to get in rhythm with his top three weapons as well as newcomer Brian Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowl running back who was signed as a free agent last week.
Davis sustained a knee strain in the first half against Indianapolis and hasn't played since. Crabtree has yet to appear in the preseason due to a neck strain.
Singletary said Tuesday that both players are day-to-day and he's "not sure" if either will play against the Raiders. Davis continued to work on the sideline with trainers Tuesday, but Crabtree returned to full practice for the first time since being injured. He made several nice catches, including a touchdown reception from Smith to complete a two-minute drill near the end of practice.
The 49ers are looking for major improvement this year from their offense to help end a string of seven consecutive non-winning seasons. San Francisco hasn't been to the playoffs since 2002 and has finished 26th or worst in the NFL rankings for total offense five times in the past six seasons. The 49ers ranked 27th last year.
San Francisco ranked 25th in rushing offense last season, prompting the team to draft 331-pound guard Iupati and 323-pound tackle Davis to add more power up front.
Gore, coming off his team-record fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, said he has been excited working behind those two youngsters in practice and now wants to do it in a game.
"It takes a lot of practice to get everyone on the same page," Gore said. "It doesn't start in games, it starts in practice. But practice is not like the game. So I'm gonna play this week, and I want to go out there and do what we do. And that's move the ball and put points on the board."
NOTES: Singletary said he didn't think LB Ahmad Brooks, who suffered a lacerated kidney in practice Aug. 6, would miss any of the regular season. Brooks has been cleared for running, lifting and light exercise with no contact, but he did not practice. ... Singletary said there is no timetable for the return of rookie Kyle Williams from a sprained toe. Williams, the 49ers' sixth-round draft pick, was in the lead to be the team's punt returner before he was hurt in the exhibition opener. Rookie Bobby Guillory handled all of San Francisco's kickoff and punt returns against Minnesota, but he averaged just 4.8 yards on five punt returns and fumbled a punt. Guillory, Ted Ginn and rookies Kevin Jurovich and Philip Adams were given turns handling punts during Tuesday's practice.
-- Janie McCauley
Unheralded Zombo makes bid for Packers roster spot
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — He's literally the last player listed in the Green Bay Packers' media guide, behind all the veterans, draft picks and even his fellow undrafted free agents.
If it wasn't for his cool, football-tough-guy name — Frank Zombo — he might not get noticed at all.
Except for this: Zombo has been a disruptive pass-rushing force in training camp. And because of some injuries at outside linebacker, Zombo is working with the first-team defense and might start Thursday night's preseason game against Indianapolis.
What would Zombo have said a year ago if somebody told him he might line up as a starter in the preseason?
"I would have told you, 'No way,'" Zombo said. "I'm not saying that's going to happen; I don't know. But just the opportunity, it's pretty overwhelming."
And with outside linebackers Clay Matthews and Brad Jones sidelined by nagging injuries, Zombo could get plenty of playing time.
"It's a big opportunity," defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. "No. 1, we're down on numbers at that position, so he's going to get to play an awful lot. And for a young, undrafted guy coming in, playing a new position, I think he's done a good job."
And yes, the undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan occasionally allows his thoughts to drift toward the possibility of actually making the team coming out of camp.
"It's my goal," Zombo said. "I'm not out here counting helmets or anything like that. But it is my goal, it's what I'm hoping for. There's a great opportunity here. I feel like I'm taking advantage of it. I'm giving everything I have and that's all I can ask for. Hopefully, that sticks out in their minds."
A defensive end in college, Zombo signed with the Packers after the NFL draft came and went.
He had drawn interest from a few other teams, some of whom were looking at him as a tight end; Zombo also played wide receiver in high school. He said Detroit was the only other team that seemed serious about signing him.
Zombo then caught the attention of outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene during offseason workouts, and coaches and teammates have been raving about him during camp.
"High-effort player," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "Tough kid. Play(s) through injuries. He's had a nice camp so far. He's earned every rep that he's been given and we want to increase his opportunities and see what he can do."
But the praise for Zombo's effort shouldn't been seen as a slight to his athletic ability.
"He's got some skills, and it shows in some of his pass rushes," Greene said.
Rushing the passer was Zombo's specialty in college, but switching to outside linebacker has presented him with new challenges. He played at nearly 270 pounds in college, and now is getting used to playing at about 250.
He also must be able to drop into pass coverage, something he said he did only once during his college career — although it worked out pretty well, as he returned an interception for a touchdown.
Zombo also must become a contributor on special teams, something he didn't do much of in college. And for now, he must do it all while nursing an ankle injury.
"The position I'm in, I'm a free agent fighting for a spot, there's no room to sit out," Zombo said.
Zombo said he appreciates the help he has received from teammates such as Brady Poppinga, Brandon Chillar and Matthews. For now, however, he must live with the daily possibility that he might be the next player cut.
"Every time I get a phone call from a 920 number, I'm like, 'Is it my time? Am I going to get cut?'" Zombo said. "But I guess it's good when they start dropping off and you're still around. As long as you're here, the most reps you can get and the most you can put on film, I guess that's the best."
-- Chris Jenkins
Lions happy to have veteran QB Hill with Stafford
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions would prefer to see as little as possible of quarterback Shaun Hill on the field this season.
However, that doesn't mean he's not wanted.
The Lions traded a seventh-round pick to the 49ers to acquire him, and Lions coach Jim Schwartz is quite happy to have the veteran ready in case something happens to second-year starter Matt Stafford.
"We're very comfortable with Shaun," Schwartz said Tuesday. "He's a guy who has been in the league for several years, and who can do the job that we need. He's proven that throughout his time with us."
Last season, the Lions lost all six games when Stafford was out with injuries, struggling with Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton leading the offense.
Hill, meanwhile, was making six starts for the 49ers, winning three — one more game than the Lions have won in the past two seasons combined.
Hill's throwing motion — a three-quarters, short-armed toss — isn't typical, but Schwartz doesn't care.
"It may not be pretty, but it works for him," Schwartz said. "He's a little bit of a gunslinger, and it never looks the same way twice, but he's a very accurate passer, which is what we want. It doesn't have to look beautiful if he's getting the ball to the receivers."
Hill's oddball motion came as a result of a broken index finger, which caused him to alter his follow-through, and years of running the scout team offense in Minnesota.
"It's a big old mess now," he said. "In practices, you are usually facing a lot of pass rush without much time to throw, so you develop a lot of quick deliveries and sidearm throws just to get the ball around guys."
Hill has no illusions about his role — he wasn't brought in to compete with Stafford for the starting job, and once the regular season starts, he'll have to be ready to step in despite limited playing time.
"During the regular season, you aren't getting any reps, so your preparation has to be mental," he said. "I don't want to be a backup, but I know that's my role on this team, so I have to be keep improving and stay ready to play if they need me."
Hill practiced Tuesday morning, but did not take part in the afternoon session.
Bradford expected to play at least one half
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Sam Bradford has the St. Louis Rams' starting quarterback job this week. Now he's got to produce.
The top pick of the draft gets his first pro start in place of veteran A.J. Feeley, sidelined with a sprained right thumb, but with no guarantees beyond Thursday night's game at New England. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said after practice Tuesday that he expected Bradford to play at least the first half, and maybe more depending on how much time the Rams have the ball.
"I know the spotlight's on Sam right now and everybody's anxious to see him in there with the first group with Steven Jackson in the backfield," Spagnuolo said to reporters after practice. "I'm just as anxious as you guys are."
Bradford has struggled thus far, going 12 for 27 for 81 yards and no touchdowns. Playing in hard rain in the last preseason game at Cleveland, he passed for only 24 yards.
He's still adjusting to being under center and has bobbled a number of snaps. Spagnuolo characterized his play thus far as "up and down."
"Obviously, I want to come out and have a strong showing," Bradford said. "I want to show the guys on this team that I can play. I think this is a great learning opportunity for me and this offense, but most of all I really want to come out and help this offense win a football game."
Spagnuolo gave the starting job to Feeley entering camp and could restore him for the preseason finale, giving no guarantees beyond that to Bradford beyond saying he'll start the player who gives a team that went 1-15 last year its best chance to win. Feeley missed both practices of a short work week, but anticipated he'd be able to grip the football soon.
"Every time they go out there, they're being evaluated," Spagnuolo said. "We'll see at the end of it."
Still, nobody expects the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner and the player the Rams signed to a six-year, $78 million contract to be a backup for long.
It'll be Bradford's first start since last October when his bid for a second straight Heisman Trophy ended with a shoulder injury against Texas.
"My expectations are extremely high," he said. "Obviously, I want to come out and perform at an extremely high level. I don't know what the fans should expect."
Spagnuolo said earlier in the week that having Jackson in the backfield for the first time would be a "comfort" to Bradford. The Rams are searching for a backup behind the bruising two-time Pro Bowl player, with reserves totaling 70 yards on 42 carries.
"Somebody has to surface there," Spagnuolo said. "In the knock on wood event that we need a running back, we've got to have somebody ready to go."
Jackson played only the first series in a 19-27 victory at Cleveland and Spagnuolo said he'd probably play a little bit more.
"It's going to be a big game for all of us, not just Sam," Jackson said. "It's a good measuring stick in the New England Patriots to see where we're at as a team, how far we have come.
"It's a great test for him to see where he's at and give him some good material to study over the next two weeks."
Jackson didn't play on saying much to Bradford before the game.
"I'm not a motivational speaker," Jackson said. "Just go out there and play hard and stay within himself and execute the things that he's working on."
Spagnuolo wants from Bradford what he got last week from Feeley, who was 5 for 6 for 45 yards and threw a touchdown pass several plays after injuring his thumb when he banged it against the helmet of a blitzing defender.
"Start out fast, start out strong, move the team," Spagnuolo said. "That would be nice."
Backup offensive tackle Phil Trautwein was carted off during practice with a right knee injury after a teammate fell on it and was scheduled for an MRI exam. The Rams waived linebacker Dominic Douglas (hamstring) with an injury settlement.
-- R.B. Fallstrom
